Lohithadas is no more!

Cochin, June.28 (NR): A. K. Lohithadas, renowned screenwriter and director in Malayalam cinema, known for his rich, detailed, and realistic screenplays, is no more.

He passed away on 28th June 2009 at Cochin due to cardiac arrest.

Fresh with the play's commercial and critical success, Lohithadas moved to Malayalam Cinema by writing for director Sibi Malayil. His first movie screenplay Thaniavarthanam was directed by Malayil and went on to be a success. The Sibi Malayil-Lohithadas combination would later produce several memorable Malayalam movies.

Lohithdas movies are well known for their deep and realistic characterization and are often grim depiction of contemporary Kerala life. In spite of its serious subjects, they have been highly successful in the state. His movies lay less emphasis on plot or commercial gimmicks (such as songs, dances or unrealistic slapstick humour), and, instead, display a more character-oriented approach. He is a prolific writer, often writing nearly four screenplays a year. He turned director with his critically acclaimed 1997 film Bhoothakannadi (The Magnifying Glass). However, his later directorial ventures have only been moderately successful.